Don't things seem to always happen in threes? Sometimes they're good things and sometimes they're bad. But in the case of job stress, poor sleep, and hypertension, it's one deadly trio you want to avoid at all costs.
A Deadly Trio: Job Stress, Poor Sleep, and Hypertension
It's no surprise that these three things–job stress, poor sleep, and hypertension–aren't ideal. But research suggests they could even be deadly.
One study conducted by the German Research Centre for Environmental Health and the Medical Faculty followed 2,000 workers with high blood pressure for about 18 years. The workers, whose ages ranged from 25-65, all had high blood pressure, but none had cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
The study found workers who reported poor sleep and a stressful job were ultimately three times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those who reported better sleep and less work stress.
Further, those with hypertension, work stress, but good sleep had a 1.6-fold higher risks of cardiovascular death. Finally, those with hypertension and poor sleep but no job stress had a 1.8-fold higher risk.
So, what does this tell us? Beyond the obvious that each of these aren't good for your health, it shows that when combined, the negative effects are compounding–potentially even deadly.
On their own, job stress, poor sleep, and hypertension can lead to a slew of negative health consequences. Together, these effects are magnified, which is why there's a recent focus on combating them.
Now, as for what CAN be done to combat either one or all three of these risk factors for cardiovascular death, what are the options?
Combating Job Stress, Poor Sleep, and Hypertension
Take it from study author Professor Karl-Heinz Ladwig: "Physical activity, eating healthily, and relaxation strategies are important, as well as blood pressure lowering medication if appropriate" are helpful strategies for combating this deadly trio.
Today, we're going to focus specifically on relaxation strategies that can help you improve your sleep, your mood, and boost your overall well-being.
Over at Neuvana, our favorite way to do this all starts with vagus nerve stimulation!
Vagus nerve stimulation: the basics
In the simplest terms, the vagus nerve is the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system. As for the autonomic nervous system, it's the one responsible for regulating a variety of body processes that take place without conscious effort. Things like breathing, heart rate, sweating, digestion, social interaction, and much more.
This nerve also happens to wander into just about every major organ system of the body. This means the strength and tone of the vagus nerve can have a profound effect on the way our bodies handle stressors. And one way to target this nerve is through the ear!
In fact, the effects of ear-based vagus nerve stimulation have been successfully studied in many people, for many reasons. Including mood, sleep, focus and cognition, and athletic performance recovery, to name a few.
Want to read more about the science of vagus nerve stimulation? Check this out next.
Can vagus nerve stimulation combat job stress, poor sleep, and hypertension?
When we consider what Professor Ladwig says about the importance of relaxation strategies to combat job stress, poor sleep, and hypertension, we know those strategies could be different for everyone. But if you have yet to consider VNS therapy as one route to try, it's time to learn more about it!
Some stress is unavoidable, and it can actually serve an important purpose. But once stress becomes unmanageable and overwhelming, it can start to have negative long-term effects on your health.
With Xen by Neuvana headphones, you have an easy-to-use, accessible, and non-invasive way to teach your body to handle and recover from these stressors (resilience!) and go from burnout to balance.
(For more on what resilience means and why it matters, take a look at this post)
Xen by Neuvana headphones
With tVNS tools like Xen incorporated into your daily wellness routine, they may help boost your mood and lower stress levels by helping your mind and body restore themselves. The best part is, it doesn't take much time or effort to experience these effects.
First, you connect your phone to your Xen by Neuvana device and place the headphones in your ears. You can then sync your music and customize your session and begin experiencing the effects of vagus nerve stimulation for yourself! Once you're plugged in and using Xen, you'll experience a warm, mild tingling sensation within your ear feels like instant calm that lasts.
There's no need to disrupt your day to find time to enjoy your Xen headphones either. Wear them while you're washing dishes, reading a book, or just going about your day. And the more you use them, the better you'll feel! Daily sessions leave you with renewed energy and a boost in well-being.
Other ways to combat this deadly trio
We've covered vagus nerve stimulation and how it can help tackle stress, boost sleep, and improve focus. But what are the other ways you can combat the potentially deadly effects of job stress, poor sleep, and hypertension?
Here are a few more ideas:
- Practice meditation and deep breathing techniques
- Prioritize sleep and self-care
- Eat nutrient-dense foods that promote your well-being
- Focus on the positive
- Make time for recreation
- Maintain healthy social relationships
- Occupy your mind (we have plenty of tips for keeping your mind busy even while social distancing in this post)
What's next?
Whether you're dealing with poor job stress, poor sleep, or hypertension on their own, or you're experiencing a combination of two or three of them, it's time to focus on feeling better.
We've started with the benefits of vagus nerve stimulation, and now it's time to see for yourself how they can go hand in hand with combating stress, improving sleep, and boosting your mood.
If you're ready to learn even more, click here. We also have a comprehensive how-to video series right here. Or, click here to get Xen now!
Want to learn more about coping with stress? Here are three more posts to read next:
